Become immersed in river life in and around Nha Trang, a beach-blessed resort city at the mouth of the Cái River. As you drive through the city, you will pass the modern Tram Huong tower and cross Tran Phu Bridge. Take a chance to witness typical Nha Trang families living in narrow houses when we walk along the alleyways, even see some local businesses such as a baber shop, a scrap house, and a boat garage on this tiny backstreet. You will observe a different side of the Nha Trang area while cruising the tranquil Cái River, whose lush banks are dotted with small villages, farms and rice paddies. One of the more unusual sights is a whale shrine that a fisherman built to thank the cetacean that supposedly pushed his boat to safety during a storm. Next, enter a local house where traditional charcoal clay stoves are made. Get engaged with the owners who work tirelessly to remain this traditional craft dated back 200 years ago. We go farther into Nha Trang countryside to another part of Vinh Thanh district, stop at a mat weaving family who makes rush mats to sell at a village market to earn their living. Lastly, pay a visit to an typical countryside house and enjoy a refreshment before taking a return journey back to the ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Observe daily life around the Cái River that spills into the sea at Nha Trang.
• Watch craftsmen produce traditional charcoal clay stoves and rush mats.
• Cruise the Cái River for a more rural perspective of river life.
• Pause for photos at a shrine that a fisherman built to honor a Good Samaritan whale.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a revealing look at rural life in Vietnam by interacting with some of the residents and visiting sites that hold great cultural value. Not far outside the city limits, the landscape will change dramatically as rice paddies and majestic mountains come into view. After pausing at a temple said to bestow good luck on visitors, you will browse a morning market for a glimpse of daily life in the country. You will become even more familiar with the local lifestyle by conversing with a typical family and visiting another family whose livelihood for generations has been drying and seasoning squid for sale. You will also enjoy a frank and enlightening conversation with the monks or perhaps nuns in a somewhat remote Buddhist pagoda. The experience will leave you with plenty to talk about over coffee or coconut juice and leave you with a deep respect for the traditional ways practiced in rural Vietnam.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in the natural beauty of Vietnam in the countryside that surrounds Nha Trang.
• Discover the challenges and charms of village life by conversing with the families.
• Talk to Buddhist monks or nuns about their lifestyles or anything else that comes to mind.
• Reflect on the day’s events over a beverage at a modest coffee shop.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Nha Trang is one of the largest tourist destinations in Vietnam, and home to the 29th most beautiful bay in the world. With its splendid pine trees and excellent tourist facilities, Tran Phu is considered to be the most stunning street in Nha Trang. On one side you’ll find the exquisite ocean; the other side features splendid buildings, hotels and restaurants. Various campsites, famous resorts, a water park and much more are found along the beach.

A short drive takes you to the pedicab park where you begin your guided tour of the downtown area. You’ll receive a routing map and a set of headphones to listen to your guide's narrative regarding the sites you’ll see. Proceed along the popular downtown streets, and view many of the city highlights; you’ll make photo stops at the most important sites along the way. Your tour concludes at the Dam market where you’ll find selling of local products, seafood and those important souvenirs. Enjoy some free time to browse at the many stalls.

Explore the ancient Ponagar Cham Towers, an intriguing complex of temple sand gardens overlooking the Cai River, for a glimpse into the rich mythology and deep spirituality of the Vietnamese culture. The Towers are evidence of the ancient Cham civilization built between the 8th and 12th centuries on a site used for Hindu worship. As a counterpoint to your land-based adventure, enjoy a serene sightseeing cruise along the Cai River. Stop at a riverside clay-oven workshop where you'll visit with a family that produces clay ovens.

At a rural village, you'll take a stroll for a close-up look at how people live and work. You’ll visit a farmer's house to view how they live, raise domestic animals, cook food, plant fruit, and worship their ancestors. If the local market is still open, you’ll have a chance to stop for photos.

Enjoy a scenic drive to Nha Trang, a lovely, serene little town spread out along the length of a beautiful sandy beach, with a backdrop of hills and rocky outcrops. Stop at Long Son Pagoda, founded in the late-19th century, and rebuilt several times since. For those up to the challenge, you’ll have an opportunity to climb the 152 stone steps leading to the giant white Buddha seated on a lotus blossom. Walk across the bridge to photograph the abundance of fishing boats moored in the shallow Nha Trang Harbor. These boats are brightly-painted in blue and red, and a very colorful sight indeed. From the harbor, you will continue on to see the PoNagar Cham Towers. The Towers are evidence of the ancient Cham civilization built between the 8th and 12th centuries on a site used for Hindu worship.

In the center of Nha Trang you’ll visit the Dam market where you’ll find local produce, fruit, vegetables and seafood. After browsing through the market you can shop for souvenirs, then relax and enjoy a refreshing coconut drink at one of Nha Trang's beautiful beachfront cafes. Your tour concludes with a stop at an embroidery workshop. Here, you’ll admire the skill and creativity of hundreds of Vietnamese artists crafting their embroidered works of art.